Secret things men do that women actually find attractive

Contrary to popular belief, men and women are from the same species. Yet, for whatever reason, there's a great deal of confusion on both parts on how to attract the other. There's plenty of information out there on what someone should do to get the girl at the end. We all know the basics: have a good sense of humor, be confident, actively listen, all that good stuff. There are still some things, though, that not even women might realize they find attractive in a partner.
That's not to say that there's some hidden puzzle that will unlock the secret to any woman's heart, no matter what some horribly misguided "pick-up artist" might tell you. That said, it's common sense that women are looking for someone who's a kind person and shows respect. The science here is just to give some insight into what the ladies in your life might be thinking every time you roll up your sleeves nonchalantly. Here are the secret things men do that women actually find attractive.





Teen movies in the 1980s imbued us with the idea that the geek never gets the girl. So someone might think it would be a social disaster to start gushing about your love for Star Trek on your first date — but that might not be the case. Psychologist and PhD Jeanette Raymond told the site AskMen, "A man who has a keen interest or passion in something outside of himself signals that he is able to take care of himself, make himself happy and utilize his time productively — which is a real turn-on."
It turns out that it doesn't matter if it's your favorite sports team or Power Rangers that gets you excited. Some might call it geeking out, others say it's passion, but, according to dating expert Evan Marc Katz, regardless of the topic, that's a huge positive in the dating world. Katz claims that women tell him all the time they want someone who's passionate. He explains that if you're passionate, you exude confidence, which is always key in any social situation.

Behaviors that attract women the most

Attraction is a complicated, messy thing. What one person finds attractive may be revolting to another, especially when it comes to appearance (after all, beauty is in the eye of the beholder). But when it comes to attraction, the way people behave is just as important as physical appearance. Sure, we all have different deal-breakers and preferences, but it turns out that there are some behaviors that are nearly universally attractive to women.
We spoke to the experts, including psychologists, relationship experts, and matchmakers, to find out which behaviors are going to attract a woman your way and which are going to send her running for the hills. Whether it's your first time meeting, a first date, or you've been together for a long time, add these behaviors to our repertoire and keep your favorite leading lady coming back for more. These are the behaviors that attract women the most.




They say chivalry is dead, but maybe that rarity is exactly why this old fashioned behavior is so attractive. Celebrity matchmaker Bonnie Winston told The List, "A man who is chivalrous, as evidenced by holding doors open, etc. is something that is old fashioned, but never goes out of style." It may seem like this is something we've all learned from what the movies say a relationship should be like, but it turns out there's more to it than that.
Certified Professional Love Life Coach Lisa Concepcion revealed to The List, "On a physiological, primal level, women want to feel protected and are attracted to a man who makes them feel safe." According to her, men also like to feel they're being chivalrous because they're wired to be protectors. She revealed that men like when women allow them to do things like open doors and tight jars. She continued, "Despite having evolved from the dinosaur era, we still have innate needs tied to our physiology."




In a world where most people are tied to their phones and can often be found looking straight down instead of around them, it's easy to feel neglected or unimportant, even on a date. According to Winston, this is why making eye contact is so important and why women find it so attractive, especially these days. She revealed, "A man who makes eye contact is very sexy, in fact it's the sexiest behavior a man can do to a woman."
Hear that, guys? She said the sexiest thing, so take note! There's nothing sexier than feeling like someone is listening to you and that's exactly what this does for women. Winston continued, "Women want to feel men are invested in them, and [making eye contact] makes them feel heard, understood and valuable." Making eye contact is also easy to do, so put your phone away and really listen to what the woman across the table is telling you.





If you've ever been on a date with someone who couldn't (or didn't want to) make decisions about the date, you know how frustrating it can be. It isn't fun to always be the person to decide what you'll be doing and where you'll be going, which is why women find it attractive when a potential mate takes initiative and really participates in the date.
According to Sarah Rose Marcus, a PhD candidate at Rutgers University whose research focuses on online dating, "Women are looking for men who were willing to participate in and initiate interesting activities on dates, [because it's] an indicator that they would put in effort into the relationship." Not only do women want a date who takes initiative in this way, according to Marcus they also want someone who is willing to try something that's important to the woman, even if it's outside of their usual interests. Speaking about the participants in her study, Marcus added, "They wanted someone who respected their hobbies, such as going to community service events."

Miss UK Gives Back Crown After She’s Told To Lose Weight Sep 2, 2017

Miss UK, Zoiey Smale, 28, who is from Nottinghamshire has handed back her crown after pageant officials told her to lose weight.  In a phone conversation that left the gorgeous Smale speechless, the size 10 mother of one was told that she needed to lose weight to compete at an international level.  Smale decided she would rather stick to her principles and resign as Miss UK than to promote unhealthy beauty standards to young girls.  Smale has been praised for her decision and lauded as a courageous role model.

Zoiey Smale. Smale received a telephone call from pageant officials informing her that she was "too big" to compete at an international level and needed to lose weight. Smale was speechless.

Principles. Smale decided to stick to her beliefs. She returned the crown and refused to let anyone bully her.

Body positivity. Smale wants to promote a healthy body image. She is considered a role model to many young girls, and does not want to promote an unhealthy standard of thinness.

To stand a chance. Smale was told that she needed to lose as much weight as possible in order to stand a chance in further competitions. Shocked, all Smale could respond with was "pardon?"

Ecuador. Smale was supposed to be traveling to Ecuador for a pageant when she received the disturbing phone call. Smale took two weeks to think things over before getting back to the pageant officials.

Size 10. Smale is now working in the sports industry. She is a trim, healthy size 10.

Real queens empower others. Smale wrote a long post on her Facebook page explaining her decision to return the crown. "It shocks me more than anything that there are still pageants out there who only view size 00 girls as role models. Let me tell you something, pageant girls are more than just a number on a clothing tag. Real queens empower others, are intelligent and help communities come together. Just to name a few."

Bullying young girls to be thin. Smale went into detail about the pressure put on pageant contestants to be thin, to the point where they are bullied. "Having been in the industry for over 10 years I have seen it all, from amazing competitions to international pageant directors bullying young aspiring girls into believing the only way to be successful is to be thin. I’m speaking from first hand as 8 years ago I was one of those girls."

The impact on young girls. Smale is concerned with the way beauty pageants impact young girls. As of 2010, the average BMI of a beauty pageant contestant was 16.9, which is underweight.

The cost of competing. Being a Pageant Queen isn't cheap or easy - it's like a full-time job. For serious competitors, evening gowns can cost upwards of $1,000 for gowns off the rack, and $5,000 and up for custom-made gowns. Professional hair and makeup can cost $250 an hour, on top of personal trainers, pageant coaches, professional headshots, transportation, pageant entry fees, etc.

I felt disgusting. Smale opened up about the way the pressure to be thin has affected her mental health and her self-esteem. "Those rogue competitions that claim to be pageants.. yet insist you eat less, parade around in a bikini for a few days and sit at the arm of a man over dinner whilst pushing an olive around a plate… Honey let me tell you, this is NOT a pageant. I was branded ‘fat’ because I am size 10. I actually believed that I was so disgusting that no one would ever love me. How sad is that?"

Millions of contestants. Internationally, there are over 3 million contestants who compete in pageants every year. There are 2.5 million in the US alone on an annual basis.

Depression. Many beauty pageant contestants suffer from depression. Low self-esteem and poor self-image are also common.

Proud of her body. Smale is doing what she can to promote body positivity. She wrote that she was proud of her body; it allowed her to carry a child.

Gratitude. Smale did not say anything disparaging about the pageant itself or the organizers; she expressed gratitude for the experiences and opportunities she had been afforded. She also wished her successor the best of luck. Smale is simply focusing on the positive aspects of her life, including having a healthy body and mind.

Barbie Gets More Realistic With Three New Body Types and Skin Colors

For more than 50 years, Barbie dolls have been the unofficial epitome of female beauty, teaching little girls across America what society believes they should look like.  This week, Mattel premiered a new Barbie, and she looks much more like a real Americam woman.  Read on to check out Barbie’s makeover.

Are you excited about Barbie’s new look?  Tell us in a comment!

Since she premiered in 1959, Barbie has taught little girls all over American what type of body they should be striving for—a thin, voluptuous, white body, one that has grown less and less representative of what America actually looked like as the years went by.

American businesswoman Ruth Handler created the doll, modeling it after a German doll, Bild Lilli, which explains her blonde hair, blue eyes, and severe expression.

In 1968, Mattel introduced Barbie’s African American friend Christie.

In 1988, Barbie’s hispanic friend Teresa roller bladed onto the scene.

Despite decades of criticism about Barbie’s static frame, the doll has always had the same stick-thin figure… until now.

Last year, Mattel manufactured 23 new dolls with different skin tones.

Rebel Girl: Mija Lou

Mija Lou is an alternative and pin up model from Denmark. When she’s not rocking her classic pin-up look in front of the camera, she’s organising events and shoots for other pin-up models in her co-owned agency Pin-up Denmark. Talk about living the pin-up life! Get to know Mija Lou right here!
Photography by Cornelius Madsen Photography[/caption]Tell us about your career as model. How did you get started?I started back in 2012. I've always loved to be in front of the camera, to be creative and get dolled up - but never thought I had a chance to become an actual model. I had a friend who wanted to become a photographer, which was perfect since I wanted to become a model. We teamed up and did photoshoots in her garage, which she had made into a studio. She could rehearse on me and I could rehearse being in front of the camera, like rehearsing in front of a mirror. I knew from the start that the pin-up genre was going to be my niche, since I've always admired the style and beauty.After some photoshoots I started up my social network pages, like Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr. I wanted to connect to other people and models that were in or admired the genre like I did. I also have kept my social network pages internationally friendly from the beginning, meaning I've always wrote in English (I'm Danish by the way). Not long after I started up my social network pages I got contacted by PunkUpBettie, an accessory company, who wanted me to model for her. I took up on her offer and that was my first modelling job. I also applied to be a model on The Alternative Model Directory, which is one of the best things I've done for my modelling career. Being a model on TAMD, got me an international network, friends & a lot of promotion.You must understand that when I started there was almost no attention to the more alternative genres of modelling in Denmark. That's why I chose to focus on the international audience, which I believe is one of reasons I am where I am today. You must know where your audience is. I didn't know any Danish pin-up models back then. I was the only one "out there", besides Anne Lindfjeld. Denmark has, luckily since, gotten a lot more attention to the alternative genres of modelling, which is great to see.In October of 2012, I also got my first 3 magazine publications. All in Halloween issues. After that followed a few more magazine publications, some modelling jobs for accessory companies and while that, my social network pages got more followers. In 2013 I did some photoshoots now and then, but my focus was on my newly started Facebook page 'The Rockabilly Pit' which I started in December of 2012. It got me even more of an international network of models, companies and most importantly, friends that I still have to this day.Back in January of 2014 I realized that I wanted more attention, especially on the pin-up modelling genre in Denmark - so I started up the Facebook page 'Pin-Up Denmark' which was, at first, to promote Danish models in the pin-up genre. I had no idea that it would be such a success... I still was modelling in my spare time. I did a shoot with a Rat Rod racer and I did a shoot for TPG Magazine's 1 year anniversary issue where I'd portray 1920's "it" girl Clara Bow.I have some great shoots lined up this year that I'm really excited about. But other than that, Pin-Up Denmark now means that I get to have my hobby as an almost full time job.Did you always want to be a model or did you have other career aspirations when you were growing up?I've wanted to be a lot of things while growing up. At first, I wanted to be a rabbit, then zookeeper, then an actress.. Honestly, I don't know 'till this day what I want to be. I've always felt out of place in my past jobs, and I guess, I'm more of a "living one day at a time" person. I'm also a dreamer- Pin-Up Denmark is the result of that. When you think about it, I created a job for myself where I would fit right in.I've actually always dreamed of being a model but also always known that I couldn't make a living out of it. So I'm pretty realistic about it being a hobby and not a job. I actually wouldn't have it any other way.  I'm pretty happy with my life right now.Do you love any one genre of modelling more than another?I'm a pin-up by heart, and it's my niche - so the pin-up genre is my favorite. I try my best to succeed in every genre of pin-up modelling. I actual like to mix the authentic with a modern twist, like - my look says Dita, my eyes says Clara and my poses says Bettie.What was your first shoot as a model like? Tell us a little about it!I was so nervous! I'm thinking about my first professional photoshoot. But I felt ready, and you know why? Because I had rehearsed about a year in front of the camera in my friend's garage. I had studied all the pin-up poses and expressions there was. I knew everything of how to make my face and body look its best. I was prepared and the photographer could tell. We did some picnic pin-up photos for example - one of those is still one of my favorite photos to this day. It was a fun day!You're also a co-owner of the Pin-Up Denmark agency. Could you tell us a bit about this?Yes I am the co-owner of Pin-Up Denmark along with another Danish alternative and pin-up model, Kecia Lie. Pin-Up Denmark is a model and event bureau for Danish pin-up models, as well as Denmark's largest forum for pin-up models, fans and admirers of the genre. It's crazy how it has turned out from when I made the Facebook page back in January 2014. I just wanted more focus on the Danish pin-up modelling scene and help promote Danish models within the genre - that was the reason I made it to begin with. Now we have a database of the best Danish pin-up models, who we help promote through Pin-Up Denmark, as they are official "Pin-Up Denmark models" under contract. We arrange photoshoot for and with our models. We also help Danish women starting up as pin-up models (how to get in contact with photographers for example).We attend events - in April we have our 3rd event in cooperation with Denmark's largest rock'n'roll nightclub High Voltage in Copenhagen. A 2 day Psychobilly festival where we attend as "event girls", making sure the guests are having their pictures taken in our Pin-Up Denmark photobooth. We also will attend the Copenhagen International Tattoo Convention in Copenhagen in May, as volunteers and event girls. We'll be doing an fashion show with a rockabilly clothing store and we're really excited about this booking, since we'll be getting a lot of promotion throughout the weekend. We have also been booked for a music video and a rockabilly festival later this year where we'll hold a LIVE final for a pin-up contest we will be having on our Facebook page called "The Search for Denmark's New Pin-Up"... Yup, everything is great! We're getting a lot of good feedback, because we're promoting the beauty in every shape, size, color, handicap ect. We do not discriminate - the only thing we want from our models is that they KNOW the pin-up genre, that they know what it's about and how to model it.It seems you live and breathe pinup! What first drew you to the style and culture?Trust me, I've been through a lot of styles over the years, especially in my teens. I think most of us have. What do we do? We learn! It's about finding that style you feel good in, that makes you feel beautiful, sexy and free. I love the style because I feel exactly that. When I'm in my "hug me baby jeans" from Lady K Loves for example, I feel confident and feminine. I've always found the fashion from the 1920's to the 1970's very fascinating. I think it's about finding the style that matches your personality - and so I did. And when you find it, hold on to it. I've always looked up to the style and beauty of old Hollywood actresses and models. It's a very beautiful culture of women empowering each other and seeing the beauty in all.What is your favourite period of time to take inspiration from?
As I mentioned before, I'm trying to mix it up a little. But if I have to mention only 1 period of time, it must be the 1940's. Right after that, the 1950's. A lot of my style and look inspiration is specially from the 40's and 50's plus the women I look the most up to are from that periods.Photography by Jan Ole Laugesen - FotoFyn and BilFoto, Car courtesy of Steffen Nielsen, Located at Vejle Havn DK.[/caption]Although some people might see you as a typical pinup, you also have a huge love for horror films and the paranormal! Could you tell us a bit about this? What’s your favourite horror film?I'm a huge sucker for the paranormal! I'm very interested in the paranormal and I'm a 100% believer. I love to watch documentaries about it and read about it to the point that I'm too scared to sleep. I've watched every episode of Ghost Adventures and my favorite horror movie is the original horror flick "Night Of The Living Dead" from 1968. I'm a big fan of Halloween. It's also my favorite time of year to do photoshoots. One of my goals is to one day play a zombie pin-up in either a film or a music video... I would fit right in!What do you do when you aren’t modelling?I work at my daytime job and I work with Pin-Up Denmark, so I actually don't have a lot of spare time. When I do, I spend a lot of time with my boyfriend, family and friends. I do like to relax when I have the time to clear my mind. I listen to music - I couldn't last a day without music. Music has always been a great passion of mine.What do you consider your biggest career highlights so far? There are many! I'm a small town girl. The little things are huge to me and much appreciated. I'm very grateful for the accessory companies who I've modelled for and to those who published my work in their magazines. But the most important thing, that makes all these years worth it, are the friends and connections I've gotten from all over the world.How much have you changed since you first started modelling?I've changed a lot. I'm still Mija, but a better Mija. I'm more confident, happy and open to new things. My look has also changed a lot. I'm more polished, I know how I look my best now and that shows in my photos. I've grown a lot since starting out as a 21 year old. I can honestly say that I know who I am now.Are you looking forward to anything in the future? (New shoots, events, etc)Oh yes! I've got some shoots planned in the near future. I'm going to work together again with fellow danish alt/pin-up model Kristina Louisa Flavis. She's also one of our Pin-Up Denmark models. We did a shoot together for Halloween and have become friends through Pin-Up Denmark. We have a good model to model connection in front of the camera, and we're pretty much on the same page regarding shoots, so I'm looking forward to working with her again.I also have a shoot with some vintage aircrafts soon and a shoot where the overall theme will be "black lace" plus a product shoot for a huge accessory company (like a try-out shoot). I can't wait! I'll also model for one of my favorite accessory companies called My Classy Vintage. I do also have some great events coming with Pin-Up Denmark, but I have already mentioned them above.Lastly, do you have any tips for new models that find you inspiring?Study the genre you're interested in. Do what makes you feel beautiful. Don't be afraid to jump into it and have fun!To find more from Mija Lou, you can find her on her official Facebook page. While you’re at it don’t forget to check out Pin-up Denmark for more gorgeous pinups! Before you go check out the gallery of handpicked photos by Mija herself. Which is your favourite?

Photography by Cornelius Madsen Photography, Assistent: Marie-Louise Horup, Location: Hotel Saxildhus, Kolding DK, Nightgown: 1982, Kolding DK, Hairflower by Sophisticated Lady Hair Accessories, shoot in cooperation with Pin-Up Denmark

Photography by Astrup Photography, Hairflower by NicCoco Creations

Photography by Jan Ole Laugesen, FotoFyn and BilFoto, MUAH by Sigrid Wøhler

Photography by Jan Ole Laugesen – FotoFyn

Buy at Rebelcircus.com!

Photography by Jan Ole Laugesen – FotoFyn, MUAH and styling by Sigrid Wøhler, Located at Tidens Samling, Odense DK

Photography by Daniel Vilstrup

Photography by Jan Ole Laugesen of FotoFyn, MUAH and styling by Sigrid Wøhler, Located at www.makeupskolen.com

Buy at Rebelcircus.com!

Photography by Cornelius Madsen Photography, Assistent Marie-Louise Horup, Location Hotel Saxildhus, Kolding DK, shoot in cooperation with Pin-Up Denmark

Rebel Girl: Arshaluys

Arshaluys is an alternative model from Armenia. But first and foremost she is a performer of various cultural dance and traditional songs! She has worked intensely hard to spread understanding and knowledge of unknown cultures. Keep reading to get to know Arshaluys better below!

Tell us about your career as a model and performer. How did you get started?

I started performing in 2010 / 2011 – first, these were dance performances in group, later I started singing and performing solo. As for modelling, it happened accidentally because I didn’t plan to be a model, I’ve never heard about such thing as alternative modeling before. It changed when I organised a photoshoot in 2013 when I was stylised as modern vampire after watching the last part of Twilight Saga. I’m not a Twilight fan, but I was fascinated and inspired by the look of vampires there.

Have you always had such a strong love of worldly cultures? When do you think it begun?

It’s pretty hard for me to recall the particular moment when it all begun, because I’ve been encountering different cultures since childhood – especially the time when I used to travel a lot with my parents to Armenia, Poland, Belarus and Russia before we finally settled in Poland permanently. I can say that first,the travels made me interested in cultures & people, that they speak in different languages, follow a different religion or philosophy. World cultures basically fascinate and inspire all the time, through art, cuisine, regional costumes, and people themselves and the languages they speak. The world is bigger than it seems!

You’ve spent time educating people on the unknown cultures, modelling and are currently focusing on performing. What is your current professional goal?

I think I’ll just continue what I do currently, I’d keep performing, give lectures at institutes and cultural meetings and develop my dance and vocal technique. Of course, I’ll be continuing ‘the- modeling- job’.

A big part of your life has revolved around bringing awareness to unknown cultures including your own. Could you tell us a little about your own cultural history?

I am Armenian by origin but have spent the whole life in Poland. You can say, it is a typical immigrant’s life with a lot of struggle to co-exist with local people. When I came here ( to Poland) as a child with my parents, it was difficult to me since I didn’t speak any Polish, just Armenian and Russian. I took a lot of time for me to get used to the new environment – we have to remember that it was the beginning of 90’s, so there wasn’t basically a big number of immigrants, as we have now. For a really long time people weren’t even aware that a country like Armenia exists, even though our history of existence on Polish lands is much longer and it is even documented. Most people don’t even know that Armenia is the first country in the world that officially recognized Christianity as a state religion. Most of time I’ve been asked if I come from India/Pakistan/Turkey or compared to Gypsies, because of the look although I have nothing to do with the Gypsy community. The school time was the obvious discrimination time, I was ashamed of who I am. It all changed when I started out the university. Later on, I realized that I’m not the only one who struggled to be accepted and trusted by the majority. This is the reason, apart being inspired by the cultures themselves, I felt I had a mission to promote and spread the beauty of the cultures that most of the time have been hidden or pushed under the carpet.

Why do you feel it’s important to have a good sense of culture?

I believe you should take what’s best from the particular culture that might enrich you in the future. For someone it might be the cuisine and ‘’encountering’’ the traditional dishes and snacks. For another it might be the art in different forms such as dance, music, painting, photography etc. I strongly believe that encountering different cultures builds your personality so that it will make you a good, respectable human being.

Where do you feel you draw your greatest inspiration from?

It’s really hard to bring out just few names, as I’m inspired by a lot of people who create the beautiful stuff, no matter if it is music, painting, movies and so on. I’m really inspired by people who work hard on something to make it perfect at the end, they put all the heart and soul into creating it along with passion, humbleness, determination and patience. I really wish I could have the same patience.

How do you combine your interest in cultural history with your performances? What do your performances entail?

Through the performance no matter if it is singing or dancing, I try to recall my history of an immigrant so the people who have been going through the same difficult journey may feel a strong connection to the story. There’s nothing more powerful than conveying the idea / story through the art. I’ve been working on building awareness among the majority, so later on, for instance, people would not associate Balkan countries only to the war in former Yugoslavia in 90’s, but would associate to the rich Balkan folk music, regional costumes, and great personalities like Emir Kusturica.

What do you consider your biggest career highlights so far?

Each of my performance and photoshoot I’ve had so far, was very unique and memorable, but I think still the best is yet to come!

How much have you changed since you first started performing and modelling?

I think I’ve become more self-confident about myself, of my possibilities thanks to my dear friends who encourage and support me on everything I do. I see the difference, with each year I’m less shy than I was like 2-3 years ago. I am more assertive nowadays either.

You find a lot of inspiration in your modelling from your favourite cultures – do you feel a sense of culture is missing from the alternative modelling community? We don’t often see a lot of cultural flair in the major genres such as rock, tattoo, latex, etc.

Actually that depends on a model’s personal taste and vision. If she wants to add some traditional elements to the whole idea, why not  Also the photographer’s vision is important here, so if the ideas of both the model and photographer get combined, it would create something unique at the end. However, of course if the model prefers to pose only in pure gothic / steampunk/ or another style (however I doubt if something like ‘pure gothic’ exists nowadays since it’s been influenced by various styles) that is absolutely her choice. There is no restriction on that matter.

To find more from Arshaluy, check out her official Facebook page. There you can stay up to date on up and coming shoots and cultural performances. Are you a fan of Arshaluy’s art? Let us know in a comment below!

I believe you should take what’s best from the particular culture that might enrich you in the future. For someone it might be the cuisine and ‘’encountering’’ the traditional dishes and snacks. For another it might be the art in different forms such as dance, music, painting, photography etc. I strongly believe that encountering different cultures builds your personality so that it will make you a good, respectable human being.

Where do you feel you draw your greatest inspiration from?

It’s really hard to bring out just few names, as I’m inspired by a lot of people who create the beautiful stuff, no matter if it is music, painting, movies and so on. I’m really inspired by people who work hard on something to make it perfect at the end, they put all the heart and soul into creating it along with passion, humbleness, determination and patience. I really wish I could have the same patience.

How do you combine your interest in cultural history with your performances? What do your performances entail?

Through the performance no matter if it is singing or dancing, I try to recall my history of an immigrant so the people who have been going through the same difficult journey may feel a strong connection to the story. There’s nothing more powerful than conveying the idea / story through the art. I’ve been working on building awareness among the majority, so later on, for instance, people would not associate Balkan countries only to the war in former Yugoslavia in 90’s, but would associate to the rich Balkan folk music, regional costumes, and great personalities like Emir Kusturica.

What do you consider your biggest career highlights so far?

Each of my performance and photoshoot I’ve had so far, was very unique and memorable, but I think still the best is yet to come!

How much have you changed since you first started performing and modelling?

I think I’ve become more self-confident about myself, of my possibilities thanks to my dear friends who encourage and support me on everything I do. I see the difference, with each year I’m less shy than I was like 2-3 years ago. I am more assertive nowadays either.

You find a lot of inspiration in your modelling from your favourite cultures – do you feel a sense of culture is missing from the alternative modelling community? We don’t often see a lot of cultural flair in the major genres such as rock, tattoo, latex, etc.

Actually that depends on a model’s personal taste and vision. If she wants to add some traditional elements to the whole idea, why not  Also the photographer’s vision is important here, so if the ideas of both the model and photographer get combined, it would create something unique at the end. However, of course if the model prefers to pose only in pure gothic / steampunk/ or another style (however I doubt if something like ‘pure gothic’ exists nowadays since it’s been influenced by various styles) that is absolutely her choice. There is no restriction on that matter.

To find more from Arshaluy, check out her official Facebook page. There you can stay up to date on up and coming shoots and cultural performances. Are you a fan of Arshaluy’s art? Let us know in a comment below!